Planning to Retire

Kodak Suspends Its 401(k) Match for Employees

By Emily Brandon

Posted: December 10, 2008

Eastman Kodak Company today joined General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, and Frontier Airlines in suspending its 401(k) match for employees. The employer matching contribution will be temporarily axed for 2009. The camera company also announced that executives will not receive a salary increase next year.

“There is an unprecedented amount of uncertainty surrounding the economic environment and most signs indicate that we may be facing a prolonged global recession,” said Antonio Perez, Kodak chairman and CEO, in a statement. The slowdown in consumer spending and tight credit markets that are making it difficult for Kodak's business customers to finance new equipment played a role in the decision, the company said.

These cuts for current workers follow reductions is retiree benefits announced in August, such as no longer paying for dental coverage or life insurance, shifting more health insurance premium costs to retirees, and phasing out employer-paid medical coverage for dependents over 10 years.

Luckily, companies that cut 401(k) matches under financial duress often bring them back when their outlook improves. But until then, here’s a look at the 10 benefits your employer is likely to slash next year.

Many people don't know it, but the "match" offered in a 401(k) is often there to an extent for the lower paid employees because the government limits the amount that high paid employees can defer with 401(k) unless the lowest paid also participate.

Evidently Kodak needs to cut costs and no longer cares about this.

of @ Dec 10, 2008 16:08:00 PM

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Planning to Retire

Planning to Retire

Reporter Emily Brandon tells you how to get ready financially for retirement and to make your golden years the best they can be.

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